Short-term disability (STD) insurance provides crucial income protection if you’re unable to work due to illness, injury, or pregnancy. Unum is one of the largest STD providers in the U.S., but is their coverage right for your needs?
This in-depth guide covers:
✔ How Unum’s short-term disability works
✔ Eligibility requirements & waiting periods
✔ Benefit amounts & duration
✔ Real costs – what you’ll pay
✔ How Unum compares to Aflac, MetLife & state programs
What Does Unum Short-Term Disability Cover?
Unum’s STD insurance replaces 60-70% of your income for temporary disabilities including:
✅ Pregnancy & childbirth (6-8 weeks typical coverage)
✅ Surgeries & hospitalizations
✅ Illnesses (severe infections, cancer treatment)
✅ Injuries (broken bones, back problems)
✅ Mental health conditions (limited to 12-24 months in most policies)
What’s NOT Covered?
❌ Pre-existing conditions (in first 12 months of policy)
❌ Work-related injuries (handled by workers’ comp)
❌ Elective procedures (cosmetic surgery, etc.)
Unum STD Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Employer-Sponsored Plans
- Must be full-time employee (usually 30+ hrs/week)
- 30-90 day waiting period before coverage starts
- No medical exam required for group plans
Individual Policies
- Requires medical underwriting
- Often excludes pre-existing conditions
- More expensive than group coverage
Key Fact: 80% of Unum’s STD policies are through employer benefits.
Unum Short-Term Disability Benefits: What to Expect
| Feature | Unum STD Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Amount | 60-70% of salary (capped at 1,000−1,000−2,000/week) |
| Waiting Period | 0-14 days (7 days most common) |
| Benefit Duration | Up to 26 weeks (varies by policy) |
| Pregnancy Coverage | 6 weeks vaginal birth, 8 weeks C-section |
Example: If you earn 60,000/year(60,000/year(1,150/week), Unum would pay 690−690−805/week during disability.
How Much Does Unum Short-Term Disability Cost?
Costs depend on:
- Your age & health
- Benefit amount & duration
- Employer vs. individual policy
Typical Premiums
| Policy Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Employer-Sponsored | 15−15−50 (payroll deduction) |
| Individual Policy | 80−80−200+ |
Note: Many employers pay part or all of the premium.
How to File a Unum STD Claim
- Notify Unum Immediately (online or by phone).
- Submit Medical Proof (doctor’s disability certification).
- Complete Claim Forms (employer portion required).
- Wait for Approval (5-10 business days for simple claims).
⚠ Pro Tip: Missing paperwork causes 60% of delays. Keep copies of everything!
Unum STD vs. Competitors (2024 Comparison)
| Feature | Unum | Aflac | State Disability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Benefit | 60-70% salary | Fixed $ amounts | 50-70% salary |
| Pregnancy Cover | Yes | Limited | Yes (in some states) |
| Mental Health | 12-24 months | Rarely covered | Varies |
| Speed of Payment | 10-14 days | 5-7 days | 14-21 days |
Best Alternatives:
- For faster payouts: Aflac
- For pregnancy coverage: State programs (CA, NY, etc.)
- For mental health: Cigna STD
Pros & Cons of Unum Short-Term Disability
✅ Pros
✔ Available through many employers
✔ Covers pregnancy & mental health (unlike some competitors)
✔ Online claims tracking
❌ Cons
✖ Strict documentation requirements
✖ Individual policies are expensive
✖ Slower payouts than some competitors
FAQs About Unum STD
1. Does Unum STD cover pregnancy complications?
Yes, with extended benefits for high-risk pregnancies (requires doctor’s note).
2. Can I get Unum STD if I’m self-employed?
Yes, but individual policies cost 2-3x more than group plans.
3. What if Unum denies my STD claim?
Appeal within 180 days with additional medical evidence.
Final Verdict: Is Unum STD Worth It?
Good For:
- Employees with employer-sponsored plans
- Those needing pregnancy coverage
- People who want mental health inclusion
Look Elsewhere If:
- You need individual coverage (better rates elsewhere)
- You want faster payouts (Aflac processes quicker)
- Your state has strong disability programs (CA, NY, etc.)